First interview with 2011 U-21 European Snooker Champion, Kacper Filipiak by Marzena Łagowska. Translation by Sebastian Biały

Marzena Łagowska: How is this done?
Kacper Filipiak: It wasn?t easy. It was very hard, but playing abroad is different. Different kind of motivation. You know nobody. But it was really nice. And the Maltese crowd was supporting me.

M.Ł.: When did you start to believe that you can win the championships?
K.F.: Just a few last frames of the final.

M.Ł.: Those three?
K.F.: Well, yes. When I was winning, when I was playing good, then I started to believe that I could do it.

M.Ł.: What did you think, when in the sixth frame the cue ball went in the pocket seconds after you potted the black one and the result was 3:3 instead of 4:2?
K.F.: Nothing. I wasn?t nervous. I stayed calm throughout the whole tournament.

M.Ł.: You didn?t have an easy start, you finished round robin stage in the 4th place, did not manage a break 50+.
K.F.: Right. The tables weren?t easy to play, I was in the most competitive group. I was afraid I might not get through. But I did. Then I played against the second seed, and I was seeded at 31! That was the most important game. Next opponents were much easier, one good game on the way and... That?s all.

M.Ł.: What?s next?
K.F. I don?t know. I will practice and play in the Main Tour. I?m going to professional tournaments qualifiers.

M.Ł.: First tournament?
K.F.: I have no idea. In a year time I guess.

M.Ł.: Not earlier?
K.F.: Somebody said that I cannot compete until the next year.

M.Ł.: The minimum age limit was removed. You can turn pro this year!
K.F.: ?

M.Ł.: WSPBA changed the regulations. You're going to Shanghai in July!
K.F.: Yeah, yeah [laughs].

M.Ł.: Meanwhile, let's go back to Malta. What did you think, what did you feel, when you potted the last black and the audience went crazy? Kacper - the new European Champion!
K.F.: I did not believe it. All day, there was some excitement. I put the cue in the box and walked away. Nothing happened. I won.

M.Ł.: So, when did you realise what had happened? When you finally got happy?
K.F.: This morning

M.Ł.: Do you realise you are the European Champion?
K.F.: Yes. I'll join the Main Tour [laughs].

M.Ł.: What could we wish you now?
K.F.: I have no idea... A good practice? Good preparations for professional tour events? I was told that I?m not ready yet. But I got there. This is first step and now I want to give it a go.

M.Ł.: Or should I wish you good luck with Tuesday?s school exams?
K.F.: [Laughs] Right, that?s right

M.Ł.: Good luck then. Thank you and once again my congratulations.
K.F.: Thank you.